Dodgers News: Return Timelines Set for Will Smith, Miguel Rojas Off Injured List

We finally have some clarity on the injuries.

The Dodgers lineup has been hit with injuries early in this season. Starting catcher Will Smith has been out for two weeks with a concussion; starting shortstop Miguel Rojas has been out for over a week with a hamstring strain; and, most recently, starting designated hitter J.D. Martinez has been out for the last two games with a back issue.

The Dodgers lineup has greatly missed Smith, so they'll be happy to have him back as soon as he's able to make a return — and on Wednesday, we finally got a concrete return timeline update.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters on Wednesday, and provided updates on the returns of both Smith and Rojas. Let's start with Smith:

Will Smith Injury Update

Smith has been out since April 12 with a concussion he suffered in San Francisco. The Dodgers are being extra cautious with his return, which makes sense considering he's coming back from a serious head injury.

However, Roberts said on Wednesday that Smith is making great progress, and could be back as early as Saturday.

"He’s checked a lot of boxes," Roberts said. "We’re getting close. Right now I think we’re in the day-to-day mode."

During Wednesday's game against the Pirates, he's working as the bullpen catcher, getting some work in with the relievers.

Dave Roberts on what he expects today from Tony Gonsolin and a few pregame updates ahead of Game 2. pic.twitter.com/KQPlp2jTRb

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 26, 2023

That's great news on Smith, and hopefully we see him back in the lineup sometime this weekend. Now onto Rojas.

Miguel Rojas Injury Update

Rojas was placed on the injured list last week with a hamstring strain. He's eligible to come back this weekend, however, Roberts said that he's going to have a rehab appearance before returning. He set Monday as the target date we could see Rojas back in the lineup.

"Our thought right now is for him to go out on a couple day rehab assignment, take some at-bats and hopefully, potentially be ready to go on Monday," Roberts said.

Now onto the guy who most recently got hurt, Martinez.

J.D. Martinez Injury Update

Martinez has been out of the lineup for the Dodgers last two games against the Pirates. He's been dealing with some back issues, however, Roberts made it sound like an IL stint is not in his future, which means he should be back soon.

#Dodgers Dave Roberts said JD Martinez is still dealing with lower back soreness, which he started feeling in his last at-bat in Chicago. He’s down again today, but Roberts doesn’t believe it will be an IL situation.

— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) April 26, 2023

The Dodgers have been able to remain afloat with their key guys, but they'll be very happy to welcome they all back soon. Fortunately, these were all positive injury updates.